WEALTH

An international study purports that the price of being famous can be higher than most people expect. The researchers analyzed 1,000 New York Times obituaries from 2009 to 2011, and found that film, music, stage performers, and sports stars tend to die at younger ages. The average lifespan of people who live in the spotlight is 77.2 years, while the lifespan of other occupations ranges from 78.5 years up to 83 years. Researchers said they believe the shorter lifespan is a result of those people taking more risks in life to reach goals or because they are successful. Celebrity publicist, Max Clifford commented on the results saying his experience is that many celebrities and stars put extra pressure on themselves because they are worried about those who could replace them. Clifford said, People assume that fame and success is all about riches and happiness, but as someone who has worked with famous people for 45 years, I know that is not the case.” He added, “The success becomes like a drug to them that they have to have and they are always worried about losing it so they push and work harder and harder. You have to be competitive in these fields otherwise it will not work.” —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell